"Can you see it?"
Understanding the Generational Constellation Shaping Our Future
I’ve learned to perceive a
generational constellation,
and today I’m going
to show you how to see it too!
Constellations, most widely known as—the grouping of stars resembling an object, an animal or a figure—have been used for ages and ages by cultures around the world.
The night sky was an essential navigational tool prior to modern times for travel both on land and sea. Since many constellations were only visible during certain times of the year, they were also used to track the passage of time, particularly the circular nature of seasons.
Just as we might watch for the changing leaves on our trees or inclement weather, many ancient cultures tuned into the changing seasons by observing the visibility of constellations in the skies.
For thousands of years, constellations have provided a way
to make sense and order out of mystery.
⭑ They served as signposts for the changing seasons or passage of time.
⭑ Useful for passing on cultural knowledge over time.
⭑ Cyclical, recurring patterns that brought reassurance.
By tuning into the cyclical nature of constellations, humanity was able to anticipate and transition through change more smoothly.
Observing stars to navigate the seasons is similar to
observing generational patterns to navigate societal change.
I can show you how to perceive these patterns!
“A generational constellation?
I’ve never heard of that.”
Like seasons or constellations in the night sky, there are generational patterns that can guide us through our experience of the passage of time, including today and for months or years ahead.
A Generational Constellation
⭑ Makes order out of cultural chaos.
⭑ Clarifies time as transitional.
⭑ Guides us toward shaping the future we want to see.
What comprises a generational constellation?
Four generations form a constellation
—a grouping of persons living at the same time, distinguished by four life stages.
I’d like to show you a way to visualize a generational constellation.
Consider the following infographics as a legend or key for the visuals you’re about to see.
And, here is the key for the color coding of the stars:
This is how I visualize our 2024 generational constellation…
Note: The size of the star indicates not only the life stage
but particularly the degree of influence the generation holds during each phase.
Which life stage are you in today?
Really, which life stage are you in today?
Mentally fill in your answer here _________________ 🤓
Acknowledging which life stage you (and others you know)
are in will help you to orient yourself and feel grounded,
as we move forward in understanding generational theory.
Are you ready? We’re going to ramp up on the visuals
so we can get into the heart of generational constellations.
So first, let’s back up and envision the constellation as it was when Boomers were in midlife. (You know, the era just before the one we are in.)
Each constellation will include four generations.
The interaction between generations is ongoing;
the place of authority or leadership will shift.
Now let’s compare without notations on each constellation.
All you need to know to discern the constellation is provided by the stars!
Remember, the size of the star indicates a life stage;
life stages tend to have varying degrees of authority and influence.
Color indicates the generation.
We just looked at these two constellation images…
Here is a representation of what Millennial and Gen Z generational constellations will look like when they are each in their midlife stage.
Four generational constellations
complete a full cycle.
Now that we have tuned into the cyclical nature of generational constellations, let’s add a few key details to envision a full cycle.
Each generation will have a dominant phase in which they lead
and implement changes according to their values.
William Strauss and Neil Howe1 refer to these phases as
Turnings—a period characterized by a distinct social mood—and
each Turning lasts approximately 20 years.
Each Turning2 has been named based on the general social moods of the era:
High, Awakening, Unraveling, Crisis.
Captain Obvious
jumping into the conversation here…
“We’re in a CRISIS!”
Yes, we’re in the Turning known as “Crisis.”
What does this tell us?
We are in the era that will dominantly be led by Gen Xers.
If you’re a Gen Xer, are you ready to lead?
If you’re a Boomer, are you ready to support Gen Xers?
If you’re over 60, you may be holding onto an idealism that has been a strong motivating force in your life. It would not be unusual to hear that you had or have deeply valued inner-growth, pursuing a visionary goals or ideals—not only for yourself but for others and for our future. If you were raised during the Turning known as “High,” and came-to-age during the Turning known as “Awakening,” idealism has likely been one of the highest priorities in your life.
Eras of idealism serve an important function.
Have you ever thought about
if you were stuck on an uncharted desert island,
who would you want to be with you ...to survive, that is! LOL
In times of crisis, we choose differently.
We need persons with distinct skills to get us through.
If you’re over 60, essentially either a Boomer or a very early wave Gen Xer, your challenge now is to hold onto your idealism while simultaneously acknowledging the season has turned. Your vision and ideals will have new opportunities in the days ahead, but first, we must all shift NOW to focusing on steadying the ship so we don’t end up like…
you know…
Gilligan, The Skipper, and their five friends!
Gen Xers lead as pragmatic realists,
tough and savvy, focusing on results.
If you’re approaching or reaching your 60s, I would venture to bet that there was not much loftiness going on during your childhood. Economic challenges and shifting social roles called out for prioritizing practicality, self-reliance, and make-it-happen kind of results.
You’ve likely experienced the feeling of standing in line for an opportunity, only to see the final spot taken by someone just a few places ahead of you.
Now is the season to take all those life experiences that have made you a survivor and show us the way to actionable solutions.
Gen Xers are the very generation
we are looking for to LEAD.
Being the Boomer that I am, this post turned into its own lofty rambling!
I’m attempting NOT to tell others HOW to do something.
Rather, I’m hoping to inspire others to perceive our society, our world,
from a new perspective and from places of cooperation and collaboration.
Regarding Turnings, it is generally thought that this Fourth Turning Crisis-era began around the same time as the Great Financial Crisis (2008) and continued with the Covid-19 Pandemic (2020). If the timing of the turnings goes as anticipated, we are quite a ways through, but have not yet realized the completion of what is likely-to-be an approximately 20 year period of overcoming and rebuilding.
There’s a principle I’ve come to follow.
Perhaps you will find value in it too.
The more we align our lives in simpatico with the rising generations,
the smoother our path will be.
Now that you know how to perceive generational constellations,
consider—-based on your current life phase—-what role you can fill?
What changes or actions can you take during this time?
As for me, I’m leaning into what’s practical as often as I can.
I am also mindful that as this Turning comes to an end,
a new Turning with Millennial leaders is just ahead.
Can you see it now?
I’d love to hear how you see your role in the generational constellation
in the comment section below.
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My perspectives on generations have been primarily influenced by the publications of Neil Howe and William Strauss. To dive deeper into the Strauss-Howe Generational Theory, consider starting with Neil’s most recent book that is comprehensive plus timely all in one.
Howe, Neil. The Fourth Turning Is Here: What the Seasons of History Tell Us About How and When This Crisis Will End. Simon & Schuster, 2023
Strauss, William and Neil Howe. GENERATIONS The History of America’s Future, 1584 to 2069. Quill, 1991.
Neil Howe can be found on substack at demographyunplugged.com
Read a bit more about turnings in this post:
Thanks for sharing this perspective on generations and turnings - I’d never heard of this before and it’s a really interesting way to look at things.
This is a fascinating concept. Even more so now that the election has passed and we see the exact generation you mention taking the lead — Gen X. As a younger boomer with millennial children I wonder what the Gen X mindset is.